Anamur Castle courts

The Anamur Castle is one of the largest and best preserved castle complexes in Turkey. Started under the Romans in the 3rd century it was made part of a defensive line by the Armenians. A league with the crusaders brought some Frankish architectural influences, influence from Venetian and Islam sources can be detected as well. With the downfall of Little Armenia it fell to Cyprus, later to the Seljuks and the Turks. It was extended once again in the 19th century. It has 36 towers and two large courts, containing a mosque, stables, baths and a spring. It brought out the kid in me, and I climbed all of the walls and many of its towers.